Lady In The Green Room

A vision, a story, an enigma, this elegant lady gazes out the window, and yet we know she does not see the view. Is she contemplating another time, a place, a person or an experience? Or is it a future event that concerns her? What should she say? How will she react? Her distinct beauty is enhanced by pearls, yet she is of this time, or is she?

This portrait of a lady developed slowly. The painting arose from a simple drawing emerging from a feeling of strength, accented by resolve. The proportions were difficult. I wondered how to depict her as determined, yet relaxed, as a lady with simple elegance and strong reserve. A lady of a certain age who had lived, and yet her youth was still evident in her lineless face and sensuous body.

She is dressed in an off-white, short silk, cocktail dress, hand painted with soft flowers. She sits on a contemporary brown couch with a mirror on the wall and a bouquet of white roses. She is important. She is aware. She is a woman to be remembered for who she is, how she thinks and what she does.

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The evolution of my art has been a journey of discovery. I am always learning, expanding and absorbing the beauty of nature and striving to create paintings that will speak to the heart. My focus and intention is to share my passion and depict memorable scenes that will serve as a windows to another reality where you can experience the feeling of that time and place.

Studying the work of great artists

I began learning about art in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where I attended high school. Each day I would walk through the many galleries and was able to learn from the international artists, such as Roberto Lupetti and Yuan, who made their homes in this lovely European-style village south of San Francisco. At the University of California I studied international relations, and over the years I took classes in oil painting, photography and graphic design.

Career

My career was in marketing with a variety of companies from startups in Silicon Valley to the Lodge at Pebble Beach, community development and healthcare. I authored a self-help book, “Ending the Battle Within” and was invited to teach personal growth in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe and across the U.S.

During my travels I absorbed the art of the centuries in museums and galleries. In each country I visited countless museums and galleries, digesting the colors, techniques and content of the artists of each nationality. I was influenced by dance of color and light of the impressionists. I learned simplicity from the Asian artists and the contrast of light and dark from the Dutch masters.

A few years ago I began to expand my love of art into oil paintings that are now in the private collections in the U.S., Europe and the Far East. I am interested in working with agents, interior designers, galleries and commissions.

Artist Statement

My focus and intention is to share my passion with you. I desire to create a window of a beautiful scene that will transport you to another reality where you can experience the feeling of that time and place.

I enjoy working with agents, interior designers and galleries and enjoy doing commissions and portraits. You can see more art and photography at www.verlaine-crawford.pixels.com and www.verlainecrawfordart.com.

Art Education

At the University of California I studied marketing as well as art, photography and graphic design, using it in my marketing work, which included designing brochures, websites and collateral material. I served as VP Marketing for a number of companies including software companies in Silicon Valley and the Lodge at Pebble Beach. I have studied under a master artist from Europe who has become my mentor.